Hotter that Hot!

The falconry itch caught me 2 weekends ago....when it was cool. This weekend was true to Texas weather, a blistering 90+ degrees when we set out to hunt. We set out to one of our favorite fields from last year, and all I can say was wow. The cover was so thick, that we could not even fing the brush piles. I released Katana, and she immediately perched in a low nearby tree. We worksed the area beneath her and continued on towards the brush piles. It took her a few moments to follow, but she then took to the wing and began flying circles overhead. It almost seemed like she was remembering how to fly, and after a few moments she settled ahead of us into a tall tree. We worked the area and finally kicked up a rabbit. It immediately took off across the open field and Katana followed in hot pursuit. She flew long and hard but the rabbit made cover before she closed the gap. I did get to hear the familiar crash that I have grown to love. She got back up and settled over head once again, and followed us relatively well as we continued working beneath her. She had 2 more flights, probably rats, as she crashed the brush once again. After about half and hour, I called her to the lure and she was amply rewarded for her efforts on the first hunt of the season. By then we were all melting, as the heat was pounding down upon us. I am very happy with her performance, and hope this will be a great forshadow of the upcoming season! Weight 945 grams